Anti-bullying forum is April 30 at Normandin

NEW BEDFORD — School officials will hold an April 30 anti-bullying forum at Normandin Middle School, where last week a student suffered a broken jaw and other injuries after he was accosted by another student.

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Posted Apr. 18, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Posted Apr. 18, 2014 at 12:01 AM

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NEW BEDFORD — School officials will hold an April 30 anti-bullying forum at Normandin Middle School, where last week a student suffered a broken jaw and other injuries after he was accosted by another student.

In announcing the forum, to be held at 6:30 p.m., Superintendent Pia Durkin said the assault "has pointed to the need for all of us — those who work in our schools and those in the community — to examine how we can better work together to reset our school climate to one that focuses on a positive learning environment where all students will succeed."

Durkin, in her statement, went on to say that "the egregious act that occurred at Normandin, regardless of the outcome of the investigation, should never have happened. Though this was an isolated incident, the severity of this episode has upset the school staff and every student who attends the school."

However, Durkin stressed that the schools cannot deal with the problem alone.

While Normandin and the city's two other middle schools have strong, anti-bulling programs in place, "this is not enough," Durkin said. "We need our families to reinforce these efforts and partner with us to find solutions to prevent such outbursts of anger."

She added that Jerry Pinto, president of Neighborhoods United and creator of the anti-bullying organization Safe Zones, is working with her to organize the forum.

"The forum will focus on identifying solutions that will allow every New Bedford student to have a safe and productive learning environment," Durkin said.

All middle school families from Roosevelt, Keith, Normandin, Whaling City and Trinity are invited to attend.

Durkin said another forum will be planned at New Bedford High School at a date to be announced to "address issues at the high school and plans to improve the school's climate and culture next year."